Barstool Sports has been fined “not less than $250,000” by the Ohio Casino Control Commission after violations of state law during an appearance at the University of Toledo.
According to a report from the Toledo Blade, Barstool was given notice of the violation after the OCCC claimed it was in violation of two statutes: targeting or advertising gambling to those under the age of 21, and avertising on or near a college campus.
The company hosted its Barstool Tailgate Show on Tuesday, November 15th ahead of the University of Toledo’s game against Bowling Green.
OCCC spokesperson Jessica Franks told the Blade Barstool was “encouraging folks to preregister; they were advertising the Sportsbook”.
Sports betting is not legal in the state of Ohio until January 1st.
A spokesperson for Penn Entertainment — Barstool’s parent company — said it looks “forward to the opportunity to address this directly with the Ohio Casino Control Commission through its regulatory process”.
Franks added that while the Commission takes gambling in Ohio seriously, it simply looks for “egregious violations”.
“We do take responsible gambling very serious here at the commission, especially the fact that sports gaming hasn’t even officially launched,” Franks said. “We do take this very seriously, (but) we do not actively seek out to fine or sanction companies.”
Penn Entertainment has 30 days to take action, which could include requesting a hearing or seeking a settlement.
